Officials with the city of Decatur, Georgia, are planning several new upgrades at Decatur education facilities. The city’s Public Facilities Authority approved a $52 million bond issuance last month for City Schools of Decator to build a new early learning center and modernize Decatur High School.
Developing an Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) has been a district priority for several years and marks the first phase of the district’s comprehensive capital improvement plan.
The new ECLC will provide a high-quality, accessible learning environment for children from infancy through pre-kindergarten. Plans call for 150 students: 50 to attend at no cost, 50 at a reduced tuition rate for CSD staff, and 50 paying tuition. The estimated annual operation cost for the new ECLC will be $3.4 million, with $2.2 million going towards personnel and $1.2 million going to operations. Officials aim to break ground on the ECLC later this year.
At Decatur High School, planned improvements include a Black Box Theater, an auxiliary gym and updates to the Frasier Center.
Approximately $36.5 million is designated for these capital projects, with another $15.5 million potentially used to refinance 2014 certificates of participation if market conditions yield economic savings, according to bond attorney Mae Charles Barnes.
Additionally, the school board has started reviewing redistricting options, including the potential closure of a K–2 school, to improve financial efficiency and align enrollment with district needs. Education Planners, an independent consultant, will analyze data and collect community feedback to provide Decatur School Board with data-driven insights on this decision.
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